Modern lifestyles to blame for poor, ‘rushed’ eating habits

Recent research reveals the nation’s eating habits, and how busy lifestyles lead to unhealthy diets.

A new survey has revealed that women’s busy lifestyles and hectic schedules are to blame for unhealthy eating habits.

Researchers asked 500 women to identify themselves from one of seven dieting behaviours – the picker, the binger, the rewarder, the rusher, the socialiser, the settler and the comforter – and 70% admitted to being a ‘rusher’.

A ‘rusher’ refers to someone who is always on the go and never has time to sit down and enjoy a healthy meal. Instead of healthy snacks, they will grab quick fix food items and tuck into calorie laden ready meals and takeaways. Those who fall into this category are usually mothers trying to juggle a career and running a home.

Other typical eaters identified in the study are ‘pickers’ – who easily succumb to the temptation of biscuits and cake – and ‘bingers’ who will bolt down a load of unhealthy foods in one go. ‘Comforters’ also emerged as a popular group, while yo-yo dieters fell into one of the last categories.

Offering advice to ‘rushers’ on how to fit healthy eating into a busy lifestyle, model and nutritional expert, Katherine Blake says:

“The key is to plan ahead. So think about what you’re going to have for your three main meals – and yes, I mean three, don’t skip breakfast, and then plan the healthy snacks you can have in between.

“Replace the crisps with a handful of nuts, the chocolate bar with a piece of fruit and the fizzy drinks with a glass of water.”

The survey – which was sponsored by the website, FreeDeliveryLand.co.uk – comes to light after the think-tank Policy Exchange revealed that this year there will be more working women in the UK than men. This means more and more women will be juggling jobs with family life, and are therefore more likely to fall into the dieting habits typical of a ‘rusher’.

If you are worried about your weight and are struggling to change your eating habits, you may benefit from hypnotherapy. To find out more, please see our weight loss page for further advice.